At Maine Lobster Now, we’re excited to bring you an expanded selection of premium sea scallops! In addition to our popular 10/20 variety, we now offer the smaller 20/30 scallops and the jumbo U-10 and U-8 scallops. Here’s what these sizes mean and how to choose the best scallops for your next culinary adventure.
Understanding Sea Scallop Sizes: Which is Right for You?
Sea scallops are categorized by how many come per pound, indicated by a number like "20/30" or "U-8." Here’s a quick guide to help you:
- 20/30 Sea Scallops: Smaller size with 20 to 30 scallops per pound.
- 10/20 Sea Scallops: Medium-sized, with 10 to 20 scallops per pound.
- U-10 and U-8 Sea Scallops: "U" stands for “under,” meaning under 10 or 8 scallops per pound, making these the largest and most impressive options.
Bay Scallops vs. Sea Scallops
Understanding the difference between bay scallops and sea scallops helps you pick the right variety for your dish:
- Bay Scallops: Caught closer to shore in bays and estuaries, these scallops are smaller, with a sweeter flavor but more delicate texture. A pound can have nearly 100 bay scallops, making them ideal for dishes like pasta or stir-fries. We offer Nantucket Bay Scallops, which is a very limited catch and very delicious.
- Sea Scallops: Found in deeper waters, sea scallops are larger and provide more meat per portion. They’re easy to sear to perfection and have a mild, sweet flavor. You can buy scallops at Maine Lobster Now that are high-quality sea scallops anytime of year.
What Are Diver and Dayboat Scallops?
Scallops are harvested through two primary methods: diving and dayboat fishing. Here’s what that means:
- Diver Scallops: Harvested by divers during November to April, these scallops are caught individually by hand, allowing for selective picking of mature scallops. This eco-friendly method also tends to yield the largest and highest-quality scallops, though it’s more labor-intensive and can be more costly.
- Dayboat Scallops: "Dayboat" refers to the fishing method where boats return to shore within 24 hours of departure. This short trip ensures that dayboat scallops are fresher than those stored for days on longer fishing trips.
Are Dry Scallops Better Than Wet Scallops?
Yes, and here’s why. "Dry" and "wet" refer to how scallops are processed:
- Wet Scallops: These are treated with phosphates, which add water weight but reduce flavor. The added liquid also makes them difficult to caramelize properly.
- Dry Scallops: Not treated with phosphates, dry scallops retain their natural, sweet flavor. They caramelize beautifully when seared, resulting in a more flavorful and tender texture. At Maine Lobster Now, we have only dry scallops for sale online, ensuring the highest quality for our customers.
Fascinating Facts About Scallops
Scallops are unique creatures with some surprising traits:
- Mobility: Unlike most mollusks, scallops can move short distances by rapidly clamping their shells. This movement is powered by their adductor muscle, the part we typically eat.
- Eyes and Camouflage: Scallops have a ring of simple eyes along their mantle that detect light and motion. Some species even have two-toned shells to blend with their surroundings, protecting them from predators like stingrays.
- Attachment with Byssal Threads: Scallops can attach to rocks or sea grass using byssal threads, which they extend to keep themselves anchored in their habitat.
Order Fresh, Sustainably Sourced Scallops
If you’re ready to buy fresh Maine scallops online, explore our selection at Maine Lobster Now. All of our scallops are sustainably sourced, delivered fresh, and ready to be enjoyed right at your doorstep.
